Optometrist Salary in Redlands, CA: $140,960 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Redlands, CA earns a median $140,960/year (≈ $67.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Redlands's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $124,633 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Redlands, California, optometrists can expect a median annual salary of $140,960 in 2026, which positions them slightly above the national median of $140,612. The pay range for optometrists in the area is substantial, with earnings starting at $81,757 at the 10th percentile and going up to $209,661 for the top 90th percentile. These figures are reflective of localized estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities. The competitive compensation in Redlands is influenced by an expanded scope of practice, enabling optometrists to manage glaucoma, prescribe oral medications, and perform select laser procedures, enhancing both their clinical responsibilities and financial reward.
About the Redlands Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,757 | $39.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,720 | $53.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,960 | $67.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171,639 | $82.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $209,661 | $100.80 |
Median Salary Position
0.25% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Redlands
In Redlands, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,904 (2026 est.). At $140,960, the local median is 0.25% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Redlands: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Redlands Optometrist Pay Compares
Redlands median: $140,960/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Redlands Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,289 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +0.25% more |
Optometrists in Redlands, CA earn a median of $140,960 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.25% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.20% above the California state average of $139,289.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Redlands has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Redlands, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $140,960 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $124,633 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,535
2025 BLS Actual
$136,908
2026 Current Est.
$140,960
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Redlands (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,535 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,342 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,608 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,901 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,186 | Actual |
| 2024 | $183,070 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,908 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,960 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,133 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Redlands metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $115,535 (2019) to $136,908 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,133 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,598 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redlands metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $81,757 – $111,720 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,720 – $140,960 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,960 – $171,639 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $171,639 – $209,661 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Redlands
The local job market for optometrists in Redlands includes about 16 professionals currently employed, indicating a stable demand for eye care providers. However, the cost of living index in Redlands is 113.1, which means living expenses are higher than the national average, impacting take-home pay and purchasing power. Among the various employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups tend to offer higher compensation compared to retail optical chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision. Variations in salary stem from several factors, including the equity of practice ownership, employment structures such as OD/MD models, and specialized residency training. To maximize earning potential, optometrists in Redlands may consider seeking employment at practices that integrate surgical referral revenue or pursuing advanced residencies focused on ocular disease, offering enhanced value in the competitive job market.
More salary data for Redlands, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Redlands?
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $136,908 for optometristsin the Redlands metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Redlands is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov